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Going back over Sunday’s game, one factor stands out that nearly everyone’s ignored — dropped passes. In all, I counted eight of them, including three that could have been touchdowns and three by tight end Vernon Davis. If those passes are caught, the 49ers win the game.

Here were some of the key drops: Davis at the goal in the first quarter on a ball thrown slightly behind him that he tipped and that was nearly intercepted. Delanie Walker on the controversial 4th-and-goal from the 1 when he was nearly tackled and no one blew a whistle. It was a tough chance, by Walker had done the hard part, he came down with the ball and even secured it. But the ball popped out when he hit the turf. In the second half, Davis’s damaging drop in the end zone.

Vernon Davis and his teammates had too many drops

Frank Gore had a pair of drops on screen passes that wouldn’t have gone anywhere. Michael Crabtree and Josh Morgan dropped one pass each. The drops highlight two things; first Alex Smith should have thrown at least one more touchdown pass and could have 350 yards passing. Second, the 49ers had the right offensive plan, even though it was weighted so heavily towards the pass. This coaching staff had a hand in many losses this year for the 49ers, but not this time. I think the coaches were right to install aggressive plans in all three phases, but with the eight drops and two fumbles, the 49ers didn’t execute the plan.

Some may be wondering if the 49ers are breaking apart after another close loss on the road that has really dashed their playoff hopes. From what I can tell, no. Everyone seemed to be taking responsibility for their part in the loss: Alex Smith said he should have hit Jason Hill on an out route late in the game and he said on the final drive that he shouldn’t have taken a shot down the field on second down. Mike Singletary blamed himself for failing to call off the reverse on the punt return; even new defensive back Keith Smith said he should have made a play on rookie receiver Deon Butler late in the game, even though Butler pushed off and Smith had tight coverage.

People forget that players are logical. They see what’s happening. They realize the team is in the midst of an offensive overhaul that took place at mid-season. They also probably realize that this roster needs another infusion of talent to be legitimately playoff worthy. And for now, they seem to believe in Singletary and even though the offensive line and the running backs don’t like the increased passing; I believe most players admire Singletary’s ability to adjust and gear the team to the talent he has.